The merchandise below dialogue is a tool engineered to carry and cost a smartwatch manufactured by Apple, created by way of additive manufacturing. This expertise permits for the development of three-dimensional objects from a digital design, sometimes by layering supplies comparable to plastics. The ensuing product presents a devoted location for the Apple Watch throughout charging, usually bettering cable administration and offering a visually interesting show.
Such a product gives a number of benefits. It will possibly contribute to a extra organized charging space, stopping cable muddle and potential harm. The bespoke nature of additive manufacturing permits for a excessive diploma of customization in design, materials, and shade, resulting in personalised options that align with particular person preferences and dcor. Traditionally, charging options for digital units had been usually standardized, mass-produced gadgets. The arrival of additive manufacturing has allowed for area of interest merchandise that handle particular wants and aesthetic needs.
The next sections will delve into the assorted design concerns, materials selections, and sensible functions related to these manufactured equipment, in addition to discover the broader implications of additive manufacturing within the client electronics equipment market.
1. Materials choice
Materials choice profoundly influences the performance, sturdiness, and aesthetic attraction of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. The fabric immediately dictates the structural integrity of the stand, its resistance to put on and tear, and its suitability for prolonged use. As an illustration, Polylactic Acid (PLA), a typical thermoplastic polymer, gives a comparatively inflexible construction ideally suited for easy stands. Nonetheless, PLA’s sensitivity to elevated temperatures may end up in deformation or weakening of the stand when uncovered to extended daylight or heat environments.
Alternatively, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) presents elevated warmth resistance and sturdiness in comparison with PLA, making it an appropriate selection for environments the place temperature fluctuations are anticipated. Versatile supplies like Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) enable for designs that incorporate shock absorption or present a non-slip floor to stop the watch from sliding throughout charging. The selection of fabric additionally impacts the ending choices obtainable. PLA and ABS will be simply sanded and painted, enabling a custom-made aesthetic, whereas TPU usually requires specialised printing methods to realize a clean floor end.
Finally, the number of materials for a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand represents a essential determination that impacts its longevity and consumer expertise. The suitable materials must be chosen primarily based on the meant atmosphere, the specified degree of sturdiness, and the aesthetic preferences of the consumer. Ignoring these concerns may end up in a product that’s functionally insufficient or aesthetically unappealing, thereby undermining the advantages of additive manufacturing.
2. Design aesthetics
Design aesthetics play an important position within the attraction and perceived worth of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. The visible design contributes considerably to its integration with the encompassing atmosphere and its desirability as a purposeful accent.
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Kind and Silhouette
The general form and description of the stand dictate its visible presence. A minimalist design with clear strains might combine seamlessly into a contemporary atmosphere, whereas an ornate or sculptural kind can function an announcement piece. The selection of kind ought to complement the design language of the Apple Watch and the aesthetic preferences of the consumer.
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Shade and Texture
Shade selections considerably affect the notion of the stand. Impartial tones, comparable to black, white, or grey, usually convey a way of sophistication and flexibility. Vibrant colours can add a contact of character and visible curiosity. The floor texture, whether or not clean and polished or tough and matte, additionally contributes to the general tactile and visible expertise.
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Integration with Setting
Aesthetically pleasing stands ought to complement the atmosphere the place they’re positioned. The design ought to take into account the present dcor, the obtainable house, and the consumer’s private fashion. A well-designed stand will improve the general aesthetic of the charging space, slightly than detracting from it.
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Model Alignment (if relevant)
For commercially produced 3D printed stands, the design ought to align with the model id of the producer. The visible components, comparable to logos, typography, and shade schemes, must be in keeping with the model’s established picture and values.
The design aesthetic isn’t merely a superficial consideration; it’s an integral side of the general worth proposition. A well-designed 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand can elevate the consumer expertise, remodeling a purposeful necessity right into a visually pleasing and fascinating accent.
3. Cable administration
Cable administration is an intrinsic design consideration for an efficient Apple Watch charging stand created through additive manufacturing. The inherent operate of the charging stand is to supply a devoted location for the Apple Watch in the course of the charging course of. Nonetheless, with out built-in cable administration, the charging cable can introduce muddle and disorganization to the charging space. The presence of a unfastened, unmanaged cable can result in tangling, potential harm to the cable itself, and an total lower within the aesthetic attraction of the charging setup. Consequently, efficient cable administration isn’t merely an add-on characteristic; it’s a core element that contributes on to the performance and consumer expertise of the stand. An actual-life instance includes stands designed with inside channels or routing programs to neatly conceal the cable, presenting a clear and arranged look. The sensible significance of understanding this connection lies within the means to design and choose charging stands that reduce visible muddle and improve the general charging expertise.
Additional evaluation reveals that cable administration options in additively manufactured charging stands can take numerous types. Some designs incorporate embedded channels inside the stand’s construction, permitting the cable to be routed discreetly from the charging puck to the ability supply. Different designs make the most of exterior clips or guides that connect to the stand, securing the cable in place. Extra superior options embrace compartments inside the base of the stand to retailer extra cable size, stopping it from turning into tangled or seen. As an illustration, a well-liked design contains a spiral pathway inside the stand’s base, permitting the cable to be wound and hid. The selection of cable administration methodology is determined by elements such because the stand’s total design, the consumer’s aesthetic preferences, and the extent of cable group desired. From a sensible perspective, designs that enable for simple set up and elimination of the charging cable are most popular, as they facilitate cable alternative or using the stand with completely different charging cables.
In abstract, cable administration is a basic side of a well-designed 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand, influencing each its performance and aesthetic attraction. Efficient cable administration prevents muddle, reduces the chance of cable harm, and enhances the general consumer expertise. Challenges on this space embrace designing options which might be each purposeful and visually interesting, in addition to accommodating completely different cable lengths and thicknesses. Nonetheless, by prioritizing cable administration as a core design component, producers and designers can create charging stands which might be each sensible and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to a extra organized and streamlined charging atmosphere. This connects to the broader theme of optimizing consumer expertise by way of considerate design and efficient integration of purposeful components.
4. Stability
Stability is a essential attribute of any purposeful 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. The first objective of such a stand is to securely maintain the watch throughout charging. Inadequate stability negates this objective, doubtlessly resulting in the watch falling, turning into broken, or disconnecting from the charging supply. The cause-and-effect relationship is direct: insufficient design or materials choice leads to instability, subsequently compromising the stand’s utility. The significance of stability stems from its direct impression on the safety and performance of the Apple Watch itself. An actual-life instance would possibly contain a stand printed with inadequate base assist tipping over when the charging cable is inadvertently bumped, ensuing within the watch falling onto a tough floor. Understanding this connection is virtually important as a result of it informs design choices concerning base dimension, weight distribution, and materials choice in the course of the additive manufacturing course of.
Additional evaluation reveals that attaining satisfactory stability includes a number of design concerns. A wider base gives a decrease middle of gravity, decreasing the probability of tipping. Weight distribution can also be essential; a stand with uneven weight distribution could also be vulnerable to instability. Materials choice impacts stability as nicely. Heavier, denser supplies present higher stability than lighter, much less dense supplies. Moreover, the design ought to account for the burden of the Apple Watch itself and the strain exerted by the charging cable. As an illustration, stands designed with a hole base could also be extra vulnerable to tipping than these with a strong base. Sensible functions embrace testing prototypes with numerous Apple Watch fashions and charging cables to evaluate stability below completely different circumstances. This will additionally contain using simulation software program to foretell the stand’s conduct below stress and establish potential weaknesses within the design.
In abstract, stability is an indispensable attribute of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand, immediately influencing its performance and protecting functionality. Challenges in attaining satisfactory stability embrace balancing design aesthetics with structural integrity and accounting for variations in Apple Watch fashions and charging cables. By prioritizing stability as a core design requirement, producers and designers can create charging stands that reliably maintain and defend the Apple Watch throughout charging, thus contributing to a optimistic consumer expertise. This connects to the broader theme of purposeful design in additive manufacturing, the place kind should comply with operate to create merchandise which might be each visually interesting and virtually efficient.
5. Watch safety
Watch safety is a basic consideration within the design and utility of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. The first operate of the stand is to securely assist the watch throughout charging, and inherent on this operate is the duty to safeguard the system from potential harm. The cause-and-effect relationship is easy: a poorly designed stand can result in scratches, unintended drops, or different types of hurt to the watch. The significance of safety as a element of the stand stems from the numerous funding customers make of their Apple Watches. An actual-life instance might contain a stand with sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that scratch the watch casing throughout repeated use. Understanding this connection is virtually important, because it immediately informs materials choice, design options, and high quality management measures in the course of the manufacturing course of.
Additional evaluation reveals that watch safety will be achieved by way of numerous design components. These embrace using non-abrasive supplies comparable to TPU or felt lining on contact surfaces, rounded edges to stop scratches, and a safe mounting mechanism that stops the watch from simply dislodging. The design also needs to take into account the potential for the watch to shift throughout charging, notably if the charging cable is unintentionally bumped. As an illustration, stands incorporating a form-fitting cradle or raised edges across the charging puck can present enhanced safety in opposition to unintended falls. Sensible functions contain rigorous testing of prototypes with numerous Apple Watch fashions to evaluate potential factors of contact and establish areas the place enhancements in safety are wanted. This will embrace drop testing, scratch resistance testing, and long-term utilization simulation to guage put on and tear on each the stand and the watch.
In abstract, watch safety is a vital side of a well-designed 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand, immediately impacting its worth and consumer satisfaction. Challenges in attaining optimum safety embrace balancing aesthetic design with purposeful safeguards and accounting for variations in Apple Watch fashions and strap configurations. By prioritizing watch safety as a core design precept, producers can create charging stands that not solely serve their main operate but in addition contribute to the longevity and preservation of the Apple Watch. This aligns with the broader theme of accountable design in additive manufacturing, the place merchandise are created with consideration for his or her long-term impression on the consumer and the units they’re meant to assist.
6. Print decision
Print decision considerably impacts the floor end, dimensional accuracy, and total aesthetic high quality of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. Low print decision results in seen layer strains, a tough floor texture, and decreased precision within the stand’s options. This negatively impacts the visible attraction and tactile expertise, doubtlessly compromising the perceived worth of the product. The connection is causal: inadequate decision in the course of the printing course of immediately leads to diminished product high quality. The significance of print decision stems from its contribution to the consumer’s notion of the stand’s craftsmanship and its means to seamlessly combine right into a consumer’s workspace or residence. An actual-life instance can be a stand printed at a low decision exhibiting distinguished layer strains, making it seem low cost and detracting from the premium aesthetic sometimes related to Apple merchandise. Understanding this connection is virtually important as a result of it dictates the printer settings and printing time required to realize a passable end result.
Additional evaluation reveals that the impression of print decision extends past mere aesthetics. Larger decision prints enable for finer particulars and extra advanced geometries, enabling extra refined designs and doubtlessly improved performance. As an illustration, intricate cable administration channels or exact becoming mechanisms could also be tough or inconceivable to realize with decrease decision printing. Sensible functions embrace conducting check prints at various resolutions to find out the optimum stability between print high quality and manufacturing time. This includes rigorously evaluating the floor end, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity of the ensuing stands. Materials choice additionally performs a task, as sure supplies might exhibit extra pronounced layer strains or require increased resolutions to realize a clean floor end. For instance, printing with versatile supplies like TPU might require increased decision settings to precisely seize high quality particulars and stop deformation.
In abstract, print decision is a essential parameter that immediately influences the standard, aesthetics, and performance of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. Challenges in optimizing print decision embrace balancing the need for high-quality prints with the constraints of printing time and materials prices. By prioritizing applicable decision settings and punctiliously contemplating materials properties, producers and designers can create stands that meet the expectations of discerning customers and supply a premium charging expertise. This pertains to the broader theme of high quality management in additive manufacturing, the place cautious consideration to course of parameters is important for producing constantly high-quality merchandise.
7. Charging alignment
Charging alignment is a essential determinant of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand’s effectiveness. The precision with which the stand positions the watch relative to the charging puck immediately impacts charging effectivity and prevents potential harm to each the watch and the charger.
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Optimum Contact
Exact alignment ensures constant and dependable contact between the Apple Watch’s charging contacts and the magnetic charging puck. Actual-world examples embrace stands designed with form-fitting cradles that completely match the watch’s contours. Misalignment can result in intermittent charging, requiring the consumer to readjust the watch repeatedly.
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Magnetic Attraction
The charging stand’s design should account for the magnetic attraction between the watch and the charging puck. The stand wants to supply adequate assist to counteract this drive, stopping the watch from pulling away from the charging floor and dropping contact. Some stands obtain this by way of a safe locking mechanism or a weighted base. Failure to take action might trigger the watch to detach, interrupting the charging course of.
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Connector Safety
Correct alignment minimizes stress on each the watch’s charging contacts and the charging puck itself. Repeated misalignment may cause put on and tear on these elements, doubtlessly shortening their lifespan or resulting in connection failures. Stands with exactly positioned charging puck recesses assist defend the connector.
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Design Tolerances
The accuracy of the 3D printing course of have to be adequate to realize the required degree of alignment. Small variations in print dimensions may end up in misalignment, even when the design is theoretically sound. Testing prototypes with numerous Apple Watch fashions and charging pucks is essential to make sure constant alignment throughout completely different units.
The design of the Apple Watch charging stand should handle these concerns. The profitable integration of exact charging alignment is pivotal in enabling the charging stand to fulfil its meant operate successfully, thus enhancing the consumer expertise. Designs failing to prioritize such concerns are inherently flawed, undermining the product’s total utility.
8. Sturdiness
Sturdiness is a essential issue within the long-term viability and consumer satisfaction of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. The power of the stand to resist common use, environmental elements, and unintended stresses immediately impacts its lifespan and its means to constantly fulfill its meant operate. The next sides define key points contributing to the sturdiness of those stands.
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Materials Energy
The inherent energy of the 3D printing materials dictates the stand’s resistance to breaking or deformation below load. Frequent supplies like PLA provide satisfactory rigidity for fundamental designs however could also be inclined to cracking below stress or in high-temperature environments. Extra sturdy supplies, comparable to ABS or nylon, present higher impression resistance and thermal stability, rising the stand’s lifespan. An actual-world instance is a stand manufactured from brittle PLA cracking after being unintentionally dropped, whereas one manufactured from ABS survives the identical impression.
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Design for Load Bearing
The design of the stand should distribute the burden of the Apple Watch successfully to attenuate stress concentrations. Sharp corners and skinny sections are vulnerable to failure. Incorporating rounded edges, reinforcing ribs, and a secure base geometry enhances the stand’s structural integrity. A stand with a poorly designed assist arm would possibly break below the burden of the watch, whereas a design with a strengthened arm will endure.
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Environmental Resistance
The stand’s means to resist publicity to environmental elements, comparable to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, influences its long-term sturdiness. Sure supplies degrade over time when uncovered to daylight, turning into brittle and vulnerable to cracking. Protecting coatings or the number of inherently UV-resistant supplies can mitigate this subject. A PLA stand left in direct daylight would possibly warp and deform, whereas a UV-resistant ASA stand stays secure.
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Put on and Tear
The stand’s resistance to put on and tear from repeated use, comparable to friction from putting and eradicating the watch, impacts its aesthetic and structural integrity. Abrasive surfaces can scratch or mar the stand’s end over time. Choosing supplies with good put on resistance and making use of protecting coatings can reduce these results. A stand with out floor safety might present put on marks after repeated use, diminishing its aesthetic attraction.
The interaction of those sides determines the general sturdiness of the 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. Selecting applicable supplies, using sound design rules, and contemplating environmental elements are important for making a product that gives long-lasting efficiency and worth. Failure to adequately handle these elements may end up in a stand that rapidly degrades or fails, negating the advantages of additive manufacturing and leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
9. Customization
Additive manufacturing basically alters the panorama of client product design, and that is notably evident within the realm of equipment just like the Apple Watch charging stand. Customization, as soon as a distinct segment providing, turns into readily accessible by way of 3D printing, permitting for a level of personalization beforehand unattainable in mass-produced items. The next factors will elaborate on the sides of customization on this particular context.
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Dimensional Adaptation
One key space of customization lies within the adaptation of dimensions. Totally different Apple Watch fashions, or the presence of protecting instances, necessitate variations within the charging stand’s dimension and form. Additive manufacturing permits for exact changes to accommodate these variations, making certain a safe and purposeful match. Actual-world examples embrace stands tailor-made to suit particular watch fashions with outsized protecting instances, one thing inconceivable to realize with customary injection-molded designs.
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Aesthetic Personalization
Aesthetic personalization constitutes one other important side of customization. Shoppers can choose from a wide selection of colours, textures, and floor finishes to match their particular person preferences or complement their present dcor. Moreover, customized designs incorporating logos, monograms, or different personalised components will be readily built-in into the stand’s construction. A stand that includes a selected shade scheme that matches a consumer’s desk setup exemplifies this.
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Practical Augmentation
Past dimensional and aesthetic concerns, customization also can prolong to purposeful augmentations. This would possibly contain incorporating options comparable to built-in cable administration options, extra storage compartments for equipment, or adjustable viewing angles. An instance features a stand with an built-in compartment for storing further watch bands or headphones, addressing a selected consumer want.
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Materials Choice
The power to pick from a spread of supplies, every with its personal properties and traits, contributes to the customization course of. Choices vary from inflexible plastics like PLA and ABS to versatile supplies like TPU, every providing completely different ranges of sturdiness, aesthetic attraction, and tactile really feel. A consumer would possibly select a TPU stand for its non-slip properties and shock absorption, offering added safety for his or her watch.
In conclusion, the interaction of dimensional adaptation, aesthetic personalization, purposeful augmentation, and materials choice enabled by 3D printing empowers customers to create Apple Watch charging stands which might be uniquely tailor-made to their particular person wants and preferences. This degree of customization transforms a easy accent into a personalised object that displays the consumer’s id and enhances their total expertise.
Steadily Requested Questions
The next part addresses widespread inquiries and issues concerning charging options for Apple Watches manufactured by way of additive processes.
Query 1: What supplies are sometimes used for 3D printed Apple Watch charging stands, and what are their respective benefits?
Frequent supplies embrace Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). PLA presents ease of printing and a inflexible construction, however is delicate to warmth. ABS gives higher warmth resistance and sturdiness. TPU presents flexibility and shock absorption.
Query 2: How does print decision have an effect on the standard and performance of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand?
Larger print decision leads to smoother surfaces, finer particulars, and improved dimensional accuracy. Decrease decision results in seen layer strains and decreased precision, doubtlessly compromising each the aesthetic attraction and purposeful points comparable to charging alignment.
Query 3: What design options contribute to the soundness and stop tipping of a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand?
A wider base, a low middle of gravity, and a balanced weight distribution are essential for stability. The usage of heavier supplies or the incorporation of a weighted base additionally enhances stability.
Query 4: How is cable administration sometimes carried out in 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand designs?
Cable administration options embrace embedded channels inside the stand’s construction, exterior clips or guides, and compartments for storing extra cable size. The objective is to attenuate muddle and stop cable tangling.
Query 5: What measures will be taken to make sure that a 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand doesn’t scratch or harm the Apple Watch?
The usage of non-abrasive supplies on contact surfaces, rounded edges, and a safe mounting mechanism that stops the watch from simply dislodging are necessary protecting measures.
Query 6: To what extent can 3D printed Apple Watch charging stands be custom-made, and what are the advantages of customization?
Customization choices embrace dimensional changes to accommodate completely different watch fashions or instances, aesthetic personalization by way of shade and texture selections, purposeful augmentations comparable to built-in storage, and materials choice. Customization permits for a extremely personalised and purposeful charging resolution.
In abstract, cautious consideration of supplies, print decision, design options, and protecting measures is important for making a high-quality, purposeful, and sturdy charging stand for the Apple Watch. Customization choices additional improve the worth and attraction of those additively manufactured equipment.
The next part will discover potential future tendencies and improvements within the area of 3D printed client electronics equipment.
Important Concerns for 3D Printed Apple Watch Charging Stands
This part gives essential recommendation for these concerned within the design, manufacturing, or acquisition of an Apple Watch charging equipment created by way of additive manufacturing.
Tip 1: Prioritize Materials Choice. The chosen materials dictates the sturdiness and aesthetic qualities of the stand. Contemplate elements comparable to warmth resistance, impression energy, and floor end. As an illustration, ABS presents higher warmth resistance than PLA, making it appropriate for hotter environments.
Tip 2: Optimize Print Decision. The print decision impacts the floor smoothness and dimensional accuracy. Larger resolutions yield a extra refined product, minimizing seen layer strains and making certain a exact match for the Apple Watch and charging puck.
Tip 3: Implement Strong Cable Administration. A well-designed stand incorporates cable administration options to stop muddle and defend the charging cable from harm. Inside channels or exterior clips can successfully safe the cable.
Tip 4: Guarantee Structural Stability. The stand should present a secure base to stop tipping, which might lead to harm to the Apple Watch. A wider base and a low middle of gravity improve stability.
Tip 5: Incorporate Watch Safety. The design ought to stop scratches or different harm to the Apple Watch. Using non-abrasive supplies on contact surfaces and incorporating rounded edges are important.
Tip 6: Validate Charging Alignment. Correct charging alignment is essential for environment friendly charging and stopping put on on the Apple Watch’s charging contacts. The stand should securely maintain the watch within the right place relative to the charging puck.
Tip 7: Leverage Customization Alternatives. Additive manufacturing allows customization to accommodate completely different Apple Watch fashions, protecting instances, or consumer preferences. This flexibility enhances the worth proposition of the product.
Adhering to those pointers will contribute to the creation of a superior 3D printed Apple Watch charging resolution, characterised by performance, sturdiness, and aesthetic attraction.
The next part will delve into concluding remarks concerning the appliance of additive manufacturing to client electronics equipment.
Conclusion
This exploration has highlighted the multifaceted nature of the 3D printed Apple Watch charging stand. From materials choice and print decision to stability, cable administration, and customization, every component contributes considerably to the product’s total performance, sturdiness, and aesthetic attraction. The capability to tailor these charging options to particular person wants and preferences underscores the transformative potential of additive manufacturing within the realm of client electronics equipment.
The viability and future trajectory of those charging options hinge on a continued dedication to innovation and high quality management. By prioritizing design excellence and leveraging the distinctive capabilities of 3D printing, producers can ship merchandise that not solely meet however exceed client expectations. The continued development of additive manufacturing applied sciences guarantees additional enhancements in materials properties, printing precision, and cost-effectiveness, solidifying the position of 3D printed equipment within the evolving panorama of private expertise.
